A Fife organisation is helping the fire service reach the hard of hearing with a potentially life saving safety message.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service teamed up with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership’s Deaf Communication Service (FDCS) to make a video urging those with concerns about vulnerable individuals to get in touch.
It is part of the service’s Make the Call campaign, launched in response to a spike in fatal house fires across Scotland.
Those who are over 50 and smoke, and live alone, have mobility issues or use medical oxygen are at greatest risk of being killed in a house fire.
The campaign is encouraging members of the public to consider fire safety when checking in on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.
Using British Sign Language, the video offers advice about how to arrange home fire safety visits.
FDCS is supporting people with hearing loss through the booking process.
Watch Commander Dougie Pollock said: “It is more important now than ever that we reach everyone, and that includes people who are hard of hearing.
“We want all of our services, including things such as free home fire safety visits, to be accessible by all.
“That is why we have abilities such as the text service or our online form where people can book a visit without relying on phone calls.
“Our partnership with FDCS is key to this as not only have they kindly provided this video, but they are also assisting people in Fife to get in touch with us.
“We are delighted that we have been able to work so closely with them to push Make the Call to as many people as possible, with the aim of saving more lives.”
Visits were temporarily suspended following the Covid-19 outbreak but limited visits are now being carried out for homes where people are deemed to be at very high risk of fire.
Julie Paterson, divisional general manager of Fife Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said: “I’m delighted that by working together, FDCS and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have jointly created this important video for our deaf community to promote vital messages about fire safety.”
More information and safety advice for people who are hard of hearing can be found at www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/deaf-awareness.
Anyone who wants to book a free home fire safety visit can call 0800 731 999 or text ‘fire’ to 80800.
An online form can also be filled out at www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/hfsv-form.aspx
People in Fife can also contact the Fife Deaf Communication Service by texting 07984356580 or emailing swinfo.deafcommunications@fife.gov.uk.
